THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
Recruitment Role Profile Form

Job Title:Research Technician (fixed-term)

School/Department:School of Biosciences, Division of Plant and Crop Sciences

Salary:£17,210 -£20,400 per annum, depending on skills and experience. Salary progression beyond this point is subject to performance.

Job Family and Level:Technical Services Level 2

Contract Status:Fixed term for one Year

Hours of Work:Full-time

Location:Sutton Bonington Campus

Reporting to:Professor Ian king and Dr Julie King

Purpose of the New Role:

Day to day assistance with the running of research programmes aimed at transferring genetic variation from ancestral species into wheat. The post will require responsibility for the growth, maintenance and monitoring of plants in glasshouses, routine molecular biology procedures, physiological assays on plants, general laboratory maintenance and microscopy (for which training will be provided.)

Main Responsibilities / % time per year
1. / Growth and maintenance of wheat x ancestral hybrids and their derivatives in controlled environment rooms, glasshouses. Harvest, treatment and storage of seed to defined quality level. Preparation of seed, and media to perform germination and hybridisations. / 40%
2. / Routine molecular biology laboratory work, including PCR, DNA, extractions. / 25%
3. / Daily maintenance of laboratory including maintaining general organisation and equipment in optimal condition. / 20%
4. / Maintain accurate records of the planting and of growth and development of the plants. Accurate maintenance of laboratory notebook and preparation of data. / 10%
5. / Be present at meetings on University site as requested, where they are linked to the project. / 3%
6. / Any other duties which are appropriate to the grade and role of the post holder. / 2%

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Essential / Desirable
Qualifications/ Education /
  • Two A-Levels in relevant subjects, or equivalent vocational qualifications (NVQ City & Guild) plus some relevant technical/scientific experience.
OR
  • Considerable work experience in a relevant technical or scientific role.
/
  • University degree in a relevant subject.

Skills/Training /
  • Plant growth and handling for scientific purposes
  • Handling equipment for scientific analysis
  • Good written and oral communication skills
  • An understanding of Health and Safety regulations and procedures. Ability to understand and address non-routine work.
/
  • Microscopy,routine molecular biology skills.

Experience /
  • Experience of handling and maintaining plants
  • Competent in undertaking a range of technical support activities without constant guidance
/
  • Practical laboratory experience in routine molecular biology
  • Experience of using running laboratory analytical equipment, such as microscopes.
  • Manual dexterity will be required in some of the duties

Decision Making

i)taken independently by the role holder

  • Prioritise own workload.
  • Prioritise routine tasks.
  • Selection and preparation of materials and equipment needed to complete all duties.
  • Completion of relevant documentation relating to specific tasks.
  • Set own high standards of work.
  • Observance of pest and disease problems or other plant requirements that may occur in the glasshouse.

ii)taken in collaboration with others

  • Collaboration with other glasshouse/growth room users when required on housekeeping requirements.
  • Collaboration with other Technical Staff in the laboratories to meet and maintain lab husbandry requirements and conditions.

iii)referred to the appropriate line manager (please name) by the role holder

  • Any problems regarding pest or disease discovered in the glasshouse.
  • Authorisation of any purchase orders.
  • Any other unexpected problems with plants.

Additional Information

The post is funded by a 4 year DFIP/BBSRC/DBT funded research project at University of Nottingham.